Kia Ceed (2010)

New look Kia cee'd adopts the company's signature grille, also featured (with small variations), on the all-new Sorento SUV and all-new Venga MPV being unveiled at the Frankfurt Show.

On new Kia cee'd, the grille stretches the full width between the front headlights, which combined with the new trapezoidal lower air intake and completely redesigned lower front bumper, makes the car seem wider, lower and more purposeful. Completing the changes at the front end are redesigned, projection-type head lamps and square fog lamps which give a more high-tech and luxurious feel.

The grille's finish varies with different trim/equipment levels as a way of visually differentiating between models. Most models feature an all-chrome edge to the grille, while models with the Sport Pack will have a Piano Black high-gloss edge with a contrasting chrome strip to the grille's inner edge.

Overall length of new Kia cee'd is increased by 25 mm on the hatchback and 20 mm on the wagon. The new front bumper and grille (common to both models), extends the nose by 20 mm, while at the rear the hatchback features an all-new bumper which adds 5 mm to the rear overhang. The hatchback's bumper also features new shape lower reflectors and this body style has new LED-look rear lamp clusters with a subtly revised shape. The profile of the cluster's top and side is unchanged, but the lower edge is raised (compared to the original cee'd) and consequently, the bumper is slightly deeper. On the wagon, the shape of the rear clusters is unchanged, but the lamps incorporate the new LED-look.

The profile of new Kia cee'd appears sleeker, thanks to the extended nose, new, lower mounted door mirrors, a range of new-style 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Sport Pack models of the hatchback are fitted with the Piano Black high-gloss front grille, plus a deeper central front air intake (also in Piano Black), black headlamp bezels and, at the rear on the hatchback, a black 'venturi-style' panel set into the bumper.

As with the original model, the final appearance of European-designed new Kia cee'd was fine-tuned in Kia's world-class full-size aero-acoustic wind tunnel at the Namyang R&D Centre in Korea . The new model's aerodynamic drag figure is Cd 0.33 (bettering the VW Golf and Ford Focus) while its lift coefficient figure (Cl 0.01) is a class-best result that enhances vehicle stability at high speeds.

For new Kia cee'd, five new exterior colours will be offered - four metallics: Phoenix Silver, Sirius Silver, Infra Red and Byte Blue, plus one solid colour, Clyde Blue.

The seven most popular colours from the original cee'd palette will be carried over so that new Kia cee'd can also be ordered in: Cassa White, Machine Silver, Dakar Yellow, Oil Blue, Pewter Beige, Piston Gray and Black Pearl.

Upgraded kit and materials for a fresher cabin ambience

Interior style, execution, quality, fit and finish of the original Kia cee'd were specifically designed and developed to impress and satisfy European consumers' needs and tastes. For the new Kia cee'd, Kia has carried over all the key attributes while giving the cabin a fresh ambience by upgrading those zones with which the driver regular inter-acts and improving the environment for all occupants.

Facing the new Kia cee'd driver is a new-style four-spoke steering wheel, which is becoming a Kia trademark feature, that can be adjusted for height and reach. It features sporty thumb-grips, alloy-finish lower spokes and remote control switches on both left and right spokes. When fitted with Bluetooth and a Trip Computer those remote controls are mounted on the lower spokes.

Another element of Kia's developing design DNA - the 'three-cylinder' instrument cluster - can be viewed through the new wheel. The cluster is available in both Standard and optional Super Vision forms (depending on model), featuring all-red illumination and clear, precise graphics.

The 'Super Vision' cluster incorporates a new 'message centre' digital information display at the bottom of the centre instrument. This display gives information about average and instant fuel consumption, current fuel level, range-to-empty, average speed, elapsed journey time, engine temperature and low-pressure tyre warnings, as well as door and tailgate 'open' alerts.

Inside new Kia cee'd, the standard interior colour scheme for the dashboard and cabin trim of all cars is Ebony Black, while a 'Classic Grey' option retains Ebony Black for the top half of the cabin and trims the lower half in grey.

The new Centre Stack is flanked by vertical panels featuring four air vents and these panels can be specified in a choice of Classic Silver, Caramel Bronze and high-gloss Piano Black finishes. These finishes are also applied to the gear lever surround trim and the door garnish strips.

A wide choice of seat upholstery is also available. Standard interior colour scheme on LX is Black with silver cloth inserts, with the option on EX models of contrasting Bronze or Blue cloth inserts. TX versions feature Chevron cloth with the option of the 'Classic Grey' lower dashboard and cabin trim.

Optional Full Leather trim and a Sport Pack - with Carbon tyre-pattern cloth seat trim, contrasting grey stitching, alloy pedals and footrest, plus a unique gear-knob - are available on both EX and TX derivatives.

The radio/CD player is all-new and similar to the system destined for the Kia Venga with a circular central 'master' control. The centre-top, red-on-black display panel has much better readability thanks to its Dot Matrix and is able to present information about the audio system, tyre pressures, door locks, external temperature, time, day and date. The centre-bottom heating and ventilation selectors now control the standard (depending on model), or optional new dual-zone air-conditioning.

For new Kia cee'd, the gear lever is fitted with a re-styled knob, a button-type reverse selector (instead of having to lift a collar), and a 23 mm deeper skirt to minimize the gap between skirt and gear knob. The floor console around the gear lever is also re-designed, with 'flying buttress' style side sections linking to the centre stack. It houses an oddments tray (with USB and AUX iPod®* connections), gear selector and hand-brake lever, twin cup-holders and large-capacity storage box topped by a padded armrest.

In front of the passenger, the dashboard houses a 6.5-litre glove box which has 18% more capacity than the original model.

New convenience features available include 'one-touch, triple-signal' turn indicators - ideal for lane changing on motorways - and a speed-limiter function which enables the driver to pre-set a maximum speed at which the throttle is reduced and a warning buzzer sounds.

Following Kia's tradition of delivering generous kit, top quality and great value, the new Kia cee'd LX model comes with standard equipment that includes: front, side and curtain airbags, central locking, electric front windows, tinted glass, rear wash/wipe, RDS radio/CD player with four speakers, steering wheel mounted audio controls, glovebox and luggage area lamps, body colour outside door handles and 15-inch steel wheels with low rolling resistance 195/65 section Michelin tyres.

Standard equipment on EX models adds: front fog lamps, keyless entry, driver and front passenger seat height adjustment, driver's seat lumbar support, two tweeter speakers, 'active' head restraints, manual air-conditioning, front centre console, rear cup-holders, body coloured door mirrors - electrically adjustable and heated.

The range-topping TX models also come equipped with: 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 tyres, ESC with hill-start assist, dual-zone air-conditioning, part-leather seats, leather trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and hand brake, Piano Black high-gloss interior trim, turn repeater lights incorporated in the door mirrors, rear centre armrest and luggage-retaining net.

As well as the three equipment levels, customer will be offered a wide range of options - depending on individual markets. Main options include: cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free communications, 6.5-inch full-map satellite navigation with touch screen, auto light controls, auto wiper controls, leather trim, water-rejecting Hydro-phobic door glass, parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

All cee'd models are fitted with a 60/40 split rear seat cushion and backrest. To increase luggage space, the cushions tip forwards and the backrests fold complete flat, aligning neatly with the trunk floor. Slots to store the detachable rear head restraints when the seats are folded are provided in the underside of the cushions.

Improving on a 'best-in-class' NVH performance

In the lead-up to launching the original cee'd, Kia Motors made an unprecedented commitment to improving its all-new C-segment model's refinement and durability. The company was determined that cee'd would constitute a 'qualitative revolution' for the brand.

Kia's cee'd engineering teams at the company's R&D Centre in Russelsheim were tasked with creating a new C-segment challenger that matched or beat competitor vehicles for minimising noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

They achieved their original goal and now the same teams have made painstaking, small detailed changes throughout the new Kia cee'd to reduce cabin noise even further - by between 0.5 dB and 1.0 dB, depending on model.

The bodyshell for new Kia cee'd is carried over from the original and makes an excellent foundation on which to build a low NVH vehicle. Torsional (twisting) stiffness is 42 Hz and flexural (bending) rigidity is also high. The resulting strong structure delivers numerous benefits in terms of controlling NVH, enhancing occupant crash protection, and providing a firm base for the fully independent suspension.

A significant reduction in the transmission of road noise is achieved by the use of a front sub-frame to support the engine, transmission, suspension and steering, and a rear sub-frame for mounting the rear suspension - delivering many positive effects on NVH and isolating the cabin from vibration sources.

Aerodynamically, new Kia cee'd is a smooth, slippery and efficient car with a Cd of just 0.33 - minimizing airflow disruption over the car, and consequently achieving low levels of wind noise. The perception of low wind noise from within the cabin is aided by the fitting of multi-layer rubber seals around the doors and tailgate and one-piece weather strips around all windows.

Revised suspension settings and bushes, plus a new Michelin tyre structure, means that new Kia cee'd is better able to absorb vibrations and shocks from imperfections in the road surface.

Kia engineers focused their NVH-reduction push on minimising vibrations, both at source and by extra dampening, over a wide range of frequencies. Each panel of the cee'd bodyshell was scrutinised to identify areas which could be modified for new Kia cee'd to reduce noise generation at source. Hollow sections of the shell, especially in the A, B and C-pillars, were injected with sound-proofing foam, while isolation pads, made in new advanced materials, were placed in key locations.

Models fitted with the all-new 1.6-litre 'U2' diesel engine and new six-speed manual gearbox, also benefit from the improved refinement offered by this powertrain.

All-new U2 1.6 diesel joins five-strong engine line-up

Although Kia's new Kia cee'd will be offered with the same engine choice as the original model - three gasoline and two diesel engines, ranging in power output from 90 to 143 ps - all the powertrains deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 output. This is the result, partly of more refined engine tuning and partly because most models are fitted with low-viscosity engine and transmissions lubricants and new Michelin low rolling resistance tyres. Across the new Kia cee'd range, the average of reduction is 5%.

The popular 1.6-litre diesel is replaced by a new engine from Kia's new 'U2' family, designed and engineered at Kia's R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany and manufactured in Slovakia , especially for use in this important Kia newcomer.

Making its debut in new Kia cee'd, the U2 1.6-litre diesel has the latest generation common rail diesel injection system and is fitted with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). It is cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient than its forebears, while still ensuring a responsive and lively performance.

U2 1.6L has been developed to deliver best-in-class power and torque outputs over the entire rev range to ensure optimum driveability. Crucially, more than 90 per cent of the maximum torque is available from just 1,500 rpm, for strong and smooth acceleration almost from idle.

Maximum power is 115 ps (84.5 kW) at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 255 Nm (26.0 kg.m) across a wide rev band, from 1,900 to 2,750 rpm.

U2 uses high pressure common rail injection with a variable swirl control system (up to five injections per cycle), electronically-controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), a variable geometry turbocharger, and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to ensure it meets Euro 4 emissions regulations - depending on market.

NVH is well controlled and U2 engine noise has been reduced by 1.1% (to 92 dB at 4,000 rpm). Thanks to the fitment of a chain-driven timing system, owners will benefit from extended (to 30,000 km or one year) service intervals.

Fitted in new Kia cee'd, the U2 with the new six-speed manual gearbox emits just 110 g/km (hatchback with ISG) and 119 g/km (wagon with ISG) of CO2. This represents an 8% improvement over the previous 1.6-litre 'U1' engine, and brings both cee'd models below the crucial 120g/km threshold applicable for taxation purposes across European countries, meaning many owners will be able to enjoy paying reduced or no vehicle taxation, and free parking or other benefits, in some markets.

Alongside the U2, buyers will be able to choose between four 'carry-over' engines - a 2.0-litre 140 ps diesel and three gasoline engines, a 1.4-litre (90 ps), a 1.6-litre (126 ps), and a 2.0-litre (143 ps), each fitted with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to ensure greater engine efficiency in all operating conditions. Lower power versions of these engines are available in some markets to meet local taxation requirements.

ISG (Idle Stop & Go) available for three engines

In addition to using the latest technologies to enhance the efficiencies of each engine, Kia is offering its fuel-stretching ISG (Idle Stop & Go) system - which automatically switches off and then restarts the engine in congested city driving - as an option on 1.4 and 1.6 gasoline engines, plus the 1.6 U2 diesel engine.

Working in conjunction with other technologies, ISG helps reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, enabling certain cee'd models to cut their CO2 emissions to just 110 g/km (hatchback). Other innovative technologies fitted to new Kia cee'd include an Eco Driving Guide (gear-shift up/down indicator) to encourage an economical driving style and a power-saving alternator management system.

New six-speed manual delivers customer benefits

Kia's new Kia cee'd is available with a choice of either five- or six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes. Manual transmission is fitted as standard on all models, with the automatic available as an extra cost option on some engines.

An all-new six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard on all cee'd models powered by the new U2 diesel engine. Made in Europe, the new transmission is lighter, has taller gearing, uses low-viscosity oil and provides a marked improvement in gear change 'feel' for a more rewarding driving experience.

Both the five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions incorporate several innovations, including triple axis gear train and multiple-cone synchroniser (on first and second gears), for faster, smoother gear shifts. Rather than having to lift a spring-loaded safety collar before selecting reverse gear, drivers now depress a button on the leading edge of the gear lever.

Although manual transmission will be the standard equipment on new Kia cee'd, two gasoline models (1.6 and 2.0) and one diesel (1.6) will be available with automatic transmission as an extra-cost option.

The automatic for new Kia cee'd is a four-speed gearbox, featuring an electronic controller, which monitors a range of parameters including acceleration, deceleration, engine speed and road speed, ensuring safe gear changes with excellent shift quality, and also adapts the transmission's characteristics to suit an individual's driving style.

Fine-tuning an already competitive Ride & Handling package

When they developed the original Kia cee'd, Kia's European chassis engineers based in Germany were determined to ensure that the newcomer was among the 'segment-best' for ride and handling - targeting the Ford Focus and VW Golf as the models to match or beat.

Now, with new Kia cee'd those engineers have taken the opportunity to fine tune the C-segment Kia's already competitive ride and handling package with minor modifications to the suspension and running gear that deliver valuable customer benefits for real-world, everyday motoring.

While retaining the same subframe-mounted MacPherson Strut (front) and Kia's subframe-mounted 'in-wheel multi-link' (rear) fully independent suspension layouts, engineers were briefed to improve riding comfort and steering response, without altering the car's overall handling balance.

After extensive testing, revised suspension settings were devised for new Kia cee'd including softer front and rear springs and dampers, reduced friction in the front strut springs, modified anti-roll bars and suspension bushes, plus new bump stops.

Kia's precise MDPS 'electric' power steering

To save fuel and deliver responsive handling in everyday driving, new Kia cee'd retains Kia's Motor Driven Power Steering system (MDPS). This electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering has relatively high gearing, requiring just 2.69 turns of the wheel from lock-to-lock. This system gives a fuel saving of 3% compared to conventional hydraulic assistance.

Although the steering hardware is carried over, the steering effort is reduced. A new Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) programme is introduced with improved electronic communications between the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system and the MDPS steering controller. The VSM reduces the amount of assistance if the driver is applying too much steering effort - and increases assistance if the driver is applying too little effort.

Powerful braking for rapid stopping

The Kia cee'd has a power-assisted all-disc braking system which delivers excellent stopping power that is highly competitive in the C-segment. The large diameter 280 mm ventilated front discs and solid 262 mm rear discs, are backed-up by four-channel, four-sensor ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which is standard fit for all cee'd models.

Available as part of the ESC package, the emergency Brake Assist System (BAS), senses when a driver is making an emergency stop and applies maximum braking effort. It is standard equipment (with ESC) on new Kia cee'd TX models and optional on others. The standard braking system delivers powerful, secure and stable braking performance with consistent pedal feel.

Multiple choices for wheels - all with Michelin tyres

Maintaining a policy adopted early in the original car's evolution, Kia continued to develop the new Kia cee'd chassis and running gear using Michelin tyres exclusively, so that its engineers could tune the new model's characteristics precisely for a specific type of tyre size, compound and construction.

The close collaboration between Kia and Michelin also allowed technicians to optimise the cee'd tyres to minimise rolling resistance and maximise fuel economy - without compromising road holding, handling, ride and refinement.

The standard wheels for LX and EX new Kia cee'd models are 15-inch diameter 5.5J wide steel wheels with 5-spoke full-cover plastic trims. LX models are equipped with 185/65 R15 tyres, while EX models feature fatter 195/65 section tryes. Range-topping cee'd TX models have 16-inch, 6.0J alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 tyres - as standard.

In most European countries, new Kia cee'd models will be offered with a wide choice of optional wheels and tyres, including a 16-inch steel wheel with 10-spoke plastic trims, three designs of 16-inch and two of 17-inch alloys - including new 'D Type' 17-inch 5-spoke wheels finished in Hyper Silver and supplied as part of the factory-fitted optional Sports Pack.

The 16-inch diameter wheels will be fitted with 205/55 tyres, while the 17-inch wheels will have 225/45 tyres. All cee'd models come with a steel space-saver spare wheel - located in the trunk floor well.

ESC with new Hill-Start Assist available for every new Kia cee'd

Kia's engineers have worked hard to ensure that new Kia cee'd is one of the safest cars in the C-segment and has the highest levels of active and passive safety, to fully satisfy the ever increasing consumer expectations about this aspect of car design. The original Kia cee'd achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2007 and Kia anticipates that the new Kia cee'd will perform equally well in the tougher tests now being applied to new cars.

New Kia cee'd has many stress-reducing features to help maintain driver alertness, plus its active safety features, such as stable handling, precise steering, and powerful braking, result in drivers of this Kia being fully equipped to avoid potential accident situations and cope with everyday motoring hazards.

As before, every new Kia cee'd has a powerful all-disc braking system featuring ABS anti-lock with EBD electronic brake force distribution. The ESC system, which now incorporates a Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) programme to prevent roll-back, is standard on TX models and available as an option on all others. ESC comes with a Traction Control System (TCS) and BAS. The system is fully automatic and operates at all times, in all weathers, reducing under-steer or over-steer and returning the car to the course intended by the driver.

Three options boost safety performance even further. The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will trigger an instrument cluster display indicating which tyre is punctured or has low pressure.

Kia's Park Assist System (a rear parking aid), has four sensors and enhances safety during low-speed manoeuvres. The system gives the driver an audible alert when reversing towards an obstruction. The intensity of the warning increases as the car gets closer to the person, animal or object.

Unique to the Kia cee'd family, innovative 'Hydro-phobic' glass is an option for all door glass. Coated with a water repellent film, the hydro-phobic glass enhances safety by encouraging rain to flow away quickly, leaving the driver with greatly improved visibility.

Safeguarding occupants to maximise protection

If an accident is unavoidable, new Kia cee'd is engineered to safeguard the occupants with a robust bodyshell and a range of passive safety measures to offer its occupants maximum possible protection. All five seats have manually adjustable head restraints and three-point seatbelts as standard. Integrated 'active' head restraints are standard on both front seats in EX and TX models. During a rear impact, these head restraints move forwards to reduce whiplash injuries to the neck or back. The system is available on LX models as an optional extra.

Every new Kia cee'd hatchback and wagon is equipped with six airbags - dual front airbags, front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags, protecting the occupants in both seat rows - as standard.

All safety systems work together to provide full passenger protection, so simultaneously with an airbag inflation, a signal is relayed to the other airbags and to the seatbelt pre-tensioners, activating them if appropriate. The passenger side front airbag features an on-off switch so it can be deactivated if children occupy that seat.

The rear side doors of cee'd are fitted with child safety locks and two ISOFIX anchor points are fitted in the back row seats for the attachment of child safety seats.

Security and peace of mind

In the modern world, vehicle security is an important aspect of personal safety and new Kia cee'd is comprehensively equipped to resist thieves. Central locking with all-door override is standard on all models, with speed-sensing automatic locking. Keyless entry and an anti-theft alarm and dash-top security lamp are standard on EX and TX models.

Every cee'd engine is fitted with an advanced electronic immobiliser that was developed in tandem with the Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in the UK, and targets a top-level anti-theft protection rating. Every model has a battery saver which switches off any interior or exterior lights that have been left on after the engine has been turned-off, preventing draining of the battery.